I couldn't help staring blankly for a moment in confusion. "What is it?"
Nang Xue released me somewhat awkwardly, but still said, "Sect Master Xia... you took me to Windmist City. Weren't you going to let me... let me..."
I looked at her in puzzlement. "Let you do what?"
"Of course... to... to offer myself to you... Because you saved me and helped us so much, I... I haven't even thanked you properly, and I have nothing to repay you with. So the only thing Nang Xue could think of was... this. I'm not some ignorant little child... Yong Qiu didn't come because I told her not to..." Nang Xue spoke with embarrassment.
I froze. So this young girl had come alone while carrying some particularly bold thoughts. I smiled wryly and said, "I'm not the kind of person who does a few things and then expects repayment. I didn't come this time solely for your sake, either. Saving you was merely along the way. You don't need to feel any pressure. I'm absolutely not that kind of person."
"Is it... because I'm not good enough?" Nang Xue asked anxiously.
I immediately shook my head. "You're wonderful—beautiful enough to make a whole kingdom pale, and full of intellect. Any man who saw you would inevitably be drawn to you. Otherwise, the Blue Mountain Sect wouldn't be chasing you so relentlessly, right? Maybe the sect master and Nan Mei have something going on, and his son doesn't even get a turn."
"Ah..." Nang Xue stared blankly for a moment before breaking into giggles. "You... Sect Master, you really know how to joke."
Watching her laugh until her whole body trembled like flowers in a storm, my heart stalled for a beat. The young girl really was captivating, so I added, "You're